Are you thinking of planning a visit to the city of Alghero during your vacation in Sardinia? This is one of the few places on the island where you almost feel like you are in a distant location, a place where the culture of this land has fused indissolubly with the culture of past dominations.
Walking through the streets of Alghero, you’ll find numerous references to Spanish culture. From the names of the streets to the typical dishes with strong Spanish influences… the Sardinian language in this city is also quite different from other areas of Sardinia.
The best way to visit the city and the surrounding areas is by car. This way, you can move around freely and explore every hidden corner of this land. Once you reach the Olbia airport, you can pick up your rented car from Ellepi in just a few minutes and begin your vacation.
What are the places to visit in a weekend in Alghero?
What to See in Alghero
The historic center is one of the most interesting places to visit. From the moment you arrive in the city, you will be struck by the historical monuments and narrow cobbled streets. Alghero is the capital of the “Coral Riviera“, and for this reason, most of the shops in the center sell red coral jewelry, as well as home accessories made from this precious material.
Among the top attractions in the city are the fortifications and the walls, recently restored, offering a walk along the bastions with wonderful panoramic views of the coast. During the walk, you can admire the towers and gates named after famous explorers such as Marco Polo and Ferdinand Magellan.
What can you see in the historic center? In addition to the seafront and the bastions, we suggest you visit:
- the Church of Santa Barbara, the oldest in Alghero
- the Church of San Michele and its beautiful colorful dome
- the Alghero Cathedral and its bell tower
- the Civica Square
- the Coral Museum
The highlight of the city? The sunset over the sea!
Port, Towers, and Spanish Bastions
Alghero, also known as the “Barceloneta” of Sardinia, is famous for its characteristic harbor, and the imposing towers and bastions of Spanish origin. The Port of Alghero is a lively place, with numerous colorful fishing boats, luxury yachts, and tourist boats. The towers and bastions, like the Tower of Sulis or the Bastion of Marco Polo, tell centuries of history and Spanish dominations, offering a breathtaking view of the city and the sea.
Historic Center
The historic center of Alghero is a delight for the eyes and soul. The narrow winding streets, stone houses, and lively squares make it a charming and captivating place. The Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Church of San Francesco are just two of the many points of interest you can find in the historic center. Additionally, there are many restaurants and shops offering local products and typical dishes of Alghero’s culinary tradition.
Coral Museum
Alghero is also known as the “Coral City“. The Coral Museum is an important attraction in the city, where you can discover the history, art, and science related to this precious marine organism. The museum offers a vast collection of corals, from ancient archaeological finds to more modern creations, demonstrating the importance of coral in the culture and economy of the city. Visiting the Coral Museum means immersing yourself in an important part of its history.
Beaches of Alghero
In Alghero, you can find numerous beaches where you can relax, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, ideal for children. Which ones should you not miss?
- The Lido San Giovanni, the city’s beach just a few steps from the historic center. The shallow waters, crystal-clear water, and white sand make it a true paradise for both adults and children.
- The Bombarde beach, north of Alghero, is well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and many restaurants.
- The Lazzaretto beach, just a short distance from Bombarde, features clear water and soft sand.
- The Porto Ferro beach is the wildest in the area, located 30 minutes from Alghero.
- The Maria Pia beach is one of the most beautiful and popular in the city, characterized by white fine sand, crystal-clear waters, and a large pine forest as its backdrop.
- The Mugoni beach is one of the largest in the area, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation and protected by two promontories, making it very peaceful and sheltered from the winds.
- Cala Dragunara is a small corner of paradise, featuring a beach with pebbles and sand, surrounded by unspoiled nature. From here, you can reach the famous Neptune’s Caves by tourist boats.
- The Spiaggia Rena Majore della Nurra is another jewel, with clear sand and crystal-clear waters, with a gentle slope, ideal for long swims and walks on the beach.
These are just some of the beaches near the city. If you have more time, we suggest dedicating a day to exploring every corner of this wonderful coast.
La Pelosa Beach in Stintino
La Pelosa Beach is one of the most beautiful and renowned beaches in Sardinia. It is located in the municipality of Stintino, about 50 km from Alghero.
It is famous for its finely white sand and crystal-clear waters in emerald and turquoise shades, which make it resemble a natural swimming pool. This beach is often described as a corner of paradise, thanks also to its enchanting view of the Aragonese tower of Isola Piana and the Asinara Island.
What to See in the Surroundings of Alghero
In the Alghero area in Sardinia, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a wide variety of captivating places of interest, ranging from breathtaking nature to rich and deep history.
Below are some of the most suggestive destinations in the surroundings of Alghero.
Each of these destinations offers a unique perspective on the beauty and culture of this region, ensuring an unforgettable experience during your visit to Sardinia!
Neptune’s Caves
The Neptune’s Caves are a natural spectacle in the surroundings of Alghero. The entrance is located along the cliffside over the sea, so before setting off, it is important to check the weather forecast, as depending on the method chosen to reach them, the visit might not be possible. The caves can be reached in two ways: by boat excursion or by car.
You can take the boat from the Alghero port. The boat will take you directly to the cave entrance. If the sea is very rough, the trips are suspended.
If you choose to drive, you will need to travel a route of about 35 minutes from Alghero. At the site, there is a large parking area, from which you can then walk down to the cave entrance via a staircase consisting of 654 steps. The steps are carved into the cliff and allow you to admire the coastline during your descent.
The cave visit lasts about 45 minutes. Along the way, you can see the beautiful internal lake and the numerous stalactites and stalagmites that characterize the cave.
Capo Caccia
Capo Caccia is an imposing promontory that extends into the Mediterranean Sea near Alghero. One of the most suggestive places in this area is the Belvedere Foradada, a panoramic point from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea and the cliffs below. At sunset, the scene that unfolds before your eyes is truly spectacular: the sun slowly setting on the horizon, coloring the sky, sea, and rocks in warm tones, creating a magical and unforgettable atmosphere.
Palmavera Nuragic Complex
The Palmavera Nuragic Complex is one of the most important archaeological sites in Sardinia, dating back to the Bronze Age. It is located near Alghero, surrounded by fields and olive groves. The complex consists of a nuraghe, a village, and a sacred area, offering an important testimony of the Nuragic civilization.
The well-preserved stone structures offer a fascinating journey through time, allowing you to discover the ancient construction techniques and daily life of the Nuragic people.
Sassari and Bosa
Sassari is the second-largest city in Sardinia and an important cultural and economic center. Rich in history and traditions, it offers numerous places of interest, such as the Cathedral of San Nicola, the Palazzo Ducale, and the National Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum G. A. Sanna.
Not far away is Bosa, a charming medieval village located on the western coast of the island, along the Temo River. Famous for its colorful houses, the Malaspina Castle, and local craft shops, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Between Sassari and Bosa, you can enjoy a wide variety of landscapes, from rocky and wild coasts to gentle, green hills inland.
Are you ready for your vacation in Sardinia? Book your car now and get ready for an unforgettable vacation!
